Battles & Campaigns · 1941
Capture of Kufra
Kufra oases, south-eastern Libya
What happened
Free French forces led by Philippe Leclerc, helped by the British Long Range Desert Group, fought the Italian and Libyan garrison of Kufra. With early help from the Long Range Desert Group, they surrounded the fort. The garrison surrendered on 1 March 1941.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was an early success for the Free French, led by men who had refused to accept France's 1940 armistice.
What came next
Leclerc's men swore the 'Oath of Kufra', promising not to stop fighting until the French flag flew over Strasbourg Cathedral. They kept it in November 1944, when Leclerc's division liberated Strasbourg.
Did you know?
Leclerc's real name was Philippe de Hauteclocque; he took the name Leclerc in 1940 to protect his family.
Timeline
- 25 July 1940Leclerc reaches London and meets de Gaulle.
- 31 January 1941The siege of Kufra begins.
- 1 March 1941Kufra surrenders and the oath is sworn.
- 25 August 1944Leclerc's division helps liberate Paris.
- 23 November 1944The French flag flies over Strasbourg Cathedral.